Front End Loader Operator

River Metals Recycling - A Nucor Company; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 77,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Production bonus

Profit sharing

Paid training

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Personal day

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Scholarship program

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) matching

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

River Metals Recycling LLC in Louisville, KY, is hiring an Equipment Operator II to run heavy equipment, support yard operations, and help meet production goals. You will be responsible for safety, material handling, and coordinating with the team to keep the yard flowing efficiently.

The role includes pay-for-performance bonuses, weekly pay, and opportunities for training and growth within a large metals recycling operation owned by Nucor.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operation experience.
• Hands-on experience with loaders or similar heavy machinery.
• Strong knowledge of operating principles, hazards and safety.
• Must pass hair drug test and background check.
• Able to work outdoors in heat and varying weather.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety procedures and participate in safety meetings.
• Operate heavy equipment such as loaders safely and efficiently.
• Load scrap material and move material around the yard.
• Load trucks and railcars according to production needs.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and report concerns.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment and assist with yard housekeeping.
• Operate forklifts, skid steers, or other small equipment as needed.
• Coordinate with teammates via radio for traffic and updates.
• Assist with general labor tasks and cross-train as needed.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Loader operation

Safety compliance

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Bilingual (EN/ES) preferred

Job description

Job Details

Division: River Metals Recycling LLC

Location: Louisville, KY, United States

Average Annual Earnings:

$77,000+

(Includes base pay, weekly overtime opportunities, and production bonuses)

Welcome to Nucor, where our unique culture sets us apart. Joining Nucor means becoming part of North America's largest steel and steel products manufacturer, offering unmatched career opportunities and stability. We are known for our innovative sustainability practices and are the continent's largest recycler. Our vibrant culture, built on personal connections and teamwork, empowers every team member with the freedom to innovate and contribute to our collective success. Experience a workplace where safety, efficiency, and meaningful personal connections define every day, enriching both our teammates and the communities we serve.

Nucor supports its teammates with top-tier benefits like Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability Insurance, 401K and Roth accounts, Profit sharing, Pay-for-performance bonuses, Paid parental leave, Tuition reimbursement, Stock program, Scholarships and more.

Need To Know:

IT ALL STARTS HERE

• Hands-on heavy equipment role in an outdoor industrial environment
• Safety sensitive position
• Paid training provided
• Pay-for-performance culture with strong bonus potential

What You'll Do:

Safety is the most important part of all jobs within Nucor; therefore, candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability to initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures, and housekeeping standards at all times.

As an Equipment Operator II, you will operate heavy equipment to support daily yard operations, material flow, and production goals. Your skill, focus, and commitment to safety directly impact productivity and earnings.

Duties include but are not limited to

• Follow all company and OSHA safety procedures and actively participate in safety meetings.
• Operate heavy equipment such as loaders, and similar machinery safely and efficiently.
• Load scrap material, move material throughout the yard.
• Load trucks and railcars according to production and shipping requirements.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment by removing debris and assisting with yard housekeeping.
• Operate forklifts, skid steers, or other small equipment as needed.
• Communicate with teammates via radio for traffic coordination, production updates, and safety awareness.
• Assist with general labor tasks including sweeping, shoveling, and cleanup.
• Cross-train in other positions and support teammates as needed.

What We're Looking For:

Required:

• 3+ years of heavy equipment operation experience
• Hands-on experience with loaders, or similar heavy machinery.
• Strong knowledge of heavy equipment operating principles, hazards, and safety precautions.
• Mechanically inclined and able to identify equipment issues.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities without constant supervision.
• Ability to stand or walk for most of the shift (up to 12 hours).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working outdoors in heat and all weather conditions.
• Flexible to work overtime, evenings, weekends, and holidays when needed.
• Must pass a hair drug test and background check.

Preferred:

• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish).
• Prior scrap metal, recycling, construction, or manufacturing experience

Pay, Benefits & Career Growth:

• Paid weekly with production bonus and profit sharing
• Clearly defined career pathways with advancement opportunities
• Paid training
• Paid vacation - 3 weeks after 1 year
• Paid holidays - 10 per year plus 1 personal day
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Scholarship program for children of teammates
• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision after 30 days
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Company matching 401(k)
• Employee stock purchase plan

Nucor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace